Men born since 1970 have 1/2 the testosterone as those born before… This is due to environmental toxins. As I’ve always said, we can’t get rid of the toxins but we can support our detox capabilities with herbs and nutrients such as silymarin, lipoic acid, glutathione, anti-oxidants and vitamin C. Lots of other herbs too!

This lack of testosterone since 1970 is being studied to see if it’s linked to kids with higher anxiety, depression, suicidal rates

It’s once estrodial takes over as the main hormone in men that estrodial interacts with environmental toxins and is linked to cancers… Pre-1970 testosterone levels peaked at around 40 years old, Since 1970’s it’s often in the teenage years/early 20’s, so estrodial is becoming dominant much earlier

Adrenal fatigue should be named ‘Burnout Syndrome’ according to Dr Flavio Cadigiani

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome should be renamed under ‘Metabolic Syndrome’ as it’s insulin and inflammation that drive the PCOS, yet women can have metabolic syndrome without the PCOS, therefore many practitioners run out of ability to support clients with painful periods.

if you get unexplained pain in the brain (migraines), gut, uterus, spinal cord – you could have MCAS… Pop in and see us! There are nutrients known to pull stored histamine out of your body.

Every thought we have affects our genes either positively or negatively

Traumas from childhood can affect our kids / grandkids etc for up to 7 generations! With kinesiology and universal consciousness techniques we can mitigate these effects. In fact, studies show that a trauma in childhood activates obesity genes (we’re more lucky if we’ve been traumatised and don’t end up with weight challenges!) and addictive behaviours (are you self-medicating??)

Intermittent Fasting is proving to be a fantastic health-improvement tool for longevity! The most researched and popular Intermittent Fasting time bracket by the speakers was the 18/6. Off food for 18 hours (say 7pm until 1pm next day…). Every hour over 12 hours of fasting doubles the benefit of the previous 12 hours!

A Note from Madonna:
Great article from Metagenics on Soy…

I’m in the unique position to have been doing kinesiology for over 20 years… I always joke I’m lucky to have done my naturopathy first as kinesiology was so much fun.
I’ve got a 15 step process to find allergies/intolerances/substance issues with people:

we have Nutripath food testing to find if people have allergies to substances

we use the Food Detective blood test in-house to find if people have intolerances

I’ve found generally over the years that organic soy is fine! (Generally, of course!)

Georgia and Madonna use kinesiology to target specific substances and see if your body is able to utilise them…

if dairy is an issue, is it the casein, the lactose, a DPP4 enzyme deficiency, lectins, hormones? Is Organic OK?

if grains are an issues, is it a FODMAP problem, lectins, gluten, gliadins, DPP4 enzyme deficiency, pesticides, GMO? Is Organic OK?

The world we live in is a melting pot of mixed cultures which has resulted in the spread of many ingredients and cuisines. One such example is the soybean, finding its way onto the plates of many individuals, and offering a blend of protein, fibre, fats and phytonutrients (e.g. isoflavones). Despite a long traditional use in Asia and the scientifically proven benefits of soy consumption, vocal soy critics have cast concern over this eminent legume, confusing many people about whether soy is safe or not. Whilst some objections against soy for reasons such as overt allergy are well-founded, anti-soy arguments based on misinterpreted data have tainted the perceived safety of soy; leaving many individuals hesitant on whether to enjoy or avoid it. However, research offers remedies to several soy myths, enabling them to be busted – read on for details:

Myth #1: Soy is a goitrogen.

Fact: Goitrogens are substances that disrupt the production of thyroid hormone by interfering with the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland. Soy has previously been classified as a goitrogen; however, this was based primarily on observations yielded from in vitro and animal studies,1 which in this instance offer limited relevance to humans due to differing metabolism between human and animals with regards to soy.2 That said, in situations of inadequate dietary iodine intakes, thyroid symptoms caused by this lack may be amplified by simultaneously high intakes of soy.3 Nevertheless, a comprehensive review of 14 human clinical studies provided little evidence that soy exerts anti-thyroid effects in healthy subjects,4 which is further supported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).5

Fact: In the past decade, there has been a surge in the production of genetically modified (GM) crops, with soy representing one of those most commonly affected. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are those whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques designed to produce specific traits. It is true that without sufficient data we can’t predict the effects of modified proteins, so selecting non-GMO soy products avoids unknown risks. As such, non-GMO sources of soy are available, and consuming it in this natural and unadulterated wholefood form is always advised for maximal health benefits.

The Humble Soybean Manifests in Many Dietary Ways.

Myth #3: You should only eat soy if it’s fermented.

Fact: In early China, soy was traditionally cooked like a grain. Processing of this legume then evolved across different regions of Asia to become a variety of modes like those illustrated in Figure 1. This included fermenting (to create tempeh, miso and natto), sprouting, grinding to make a ‘milk,’ and the pressing of unfermented bean curd to create tofu. Fermentation is especially favored in Korea and Japan for producing strong flavours, however doing so is not the golden rule for soy consumption. Similar to other legumes, simply softening soybeans with moisture and heat (e.g. boiling) causes the hardy components within the bean to denature. This allows the nutrients to then become bioavailable and absorbable, and therefore allow us to attain the benefits from consuming them.

In summary, soy has not always traditionally been fermented, and it is perfectly safe and appropriate to consume it in its unfermented form.

Myth #4: Soy is a phytoestrogen.

Fact: The term phytoestrogen describes the ability of certain compounds (found in foods and medicinal herbs) to act similarly to the actions of the hormone oestrogen. However, incorrect interpretations of the term phytoestrogen have raised some concern.

As it pertains to soy, experts have corrected the term phytoestrogen, defining the bean instead as a selective oestrogen receptor modulator or ‘SERM’.

Being a SERM, soy communicates with the body similarly to oestrogen as it can bind to what’s known as oestrogen ‘receptors’, which then modulates their activity (the ‘output’). For example, soy isoflavones have been shown to down-regulate oestrogen receptor alpha (ER-?) activity. Given that ER-? is associated with negative events such as tumour growth, SERM compounds (like the isoflavones found in soy) are viewed as beneficial, as they can favourably influence the state of play. What’s more, soy isoflavones also bind to the beneficial oestrogen receptor beta (ER- ?), whose activity is associated with protective health benefits in both men and women.9 In summary, a SERM such as soy does not increase oestrogen levels, but balances oestrogen receptor activity, which can lead to more optimal body function.

The Balance of Soy

It’s important to keep in mind that the health benefits of soy, like many wholefoods, are broad. The soybean is much more than just soy isoflavones – it provides additional health-promoting nutrients including protein, fibre, minerals and B vitamins, all nourishing your body in more ways than one. To enjoy some soy as part of a balanced, check out the healthy Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry recipe below. You too can reap the benefits of this highly versatile legume.

• Heat oil with garlic until garlic is lightly cooked.
• Add cauliflower, tofu and broccoli and stir through very quickly.
• Add water and continue stirring.
• Cook on high heat for approximately four minutes and continue stirring.
• Add a little more water if required to prevent sticking.
• Add chives.
• Turn out and serve.

Does histamine control your life? Are you even aware that it might? You might have MCAS!!

Much of this information comes from Dr Tania Dempsey and Dr Jill Carnahan in the States…. but it is a Syndrome worth thinking about if you’re simply not getting on top of your pain, allergies, nervous system stresses etc…. Many doctors in Australia are totally unaware of this condition.

What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?

Mast cells, a type of blood cell, play an important role in the body’s immune system. They reside in all body tissues and form part of the body’s initial defence system. Mast cells react to foreign bodies and injury by releasing a variety of potent chemical mediators, such as histamine, when activated. In a healthy person these chemicals will act beneficially to protect and heal the body, but in a person with MCAS these same chemicals are inappropriately triggered and released and have a negative effect on the body. Amongst the triggers are a variety of different foods, exercise, chemicals, fragrances and stress. Many sufferers struggle to identify their triggers and continue to discover new triggers for many years after diagnosis.

MCAS forms part of a spectrum of mast cell disorders involving proliferation and/or excessive sensitivity of mast cells, it has been identified since 2007. It features inappropriate mast cell activation with little or no increase in the number of mast cells, unlike in Mastocytosis*. MCAS causes a wide range of unpleasant, sometimes debilitating, symptoms in any of the different systems of the body, frequently affecting several systems at the same time. The onset of MCAS is often sudden, affecting both children and adults, sometimes in family groups, mimicking many other conditions and presenting a wide-range of different symptoms that can be baffling for both the patient and their physician. Often there are no obvious clinical signs since MCAS confounds the anatomy-based structure underpinning the traditional diagnostic approach. Very often Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is hiding in plain sight.

Mastocystosis: very rare and NOT what we’re talking about here…

Mastocytosis involves inappropriate mast cell activation AS WELL AS an increased number of mast cells. It is a rare but relatively well known mast cell disorder and is currently easier to diagnose than MCAS.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): When Histamine Goes Haywire…

Mast cells are present in most tissues throughout the human body, especially connective tissue, skin, intestinal lining cardiovascular system, nervous system, and reproductive organs. They are part of the allergic response designed to protect us from threat and injury. When the body is exposed to a perceived threat, the mast cells secrete chemical mediators, such as histamine, interleukins, prostaglandins, cytokines, chemokine and various other chemicals stored in the cytoplasm of the cell. These chemical messengers produce both local and systemic effects, such as increased permeability of blood vessels (inflammation and swelling), contraction of smooth muscle (stomach cramps and heart palpitations), and increase mucous production (congestion, sneezing, etc). Historically, we thought of mast cells only in relation to an allergic or anaphylactic response. We now know they play a profound role in immune activation, development of autoimmunity and many other disorders, such as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). Sadly we are seeing a large increase in patients presenting with mast cell disorders and MCAS. I believe it is in part do to the onslaught of more pervasive environmental toxins, moulds and chemicals.

Withouts mast cells, we would not be able to heal from a wound. They protect us from injury and help the body to heal. Unfortunately, overactive mast cells can cause a variety of serious symptoms.

Infertility (mast cells in endometrium may contribute to endometriosis)

Interstitial Cystitis

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Migraine Headaches

Mood disorders – anxiety, depression, and insomnia

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)

Mast cells are known to be the primary responders in allergic reactions, orchestrating strong responses to minute amounts of allergens. Several recent observations indicate that they may also have a key role in coordinating the early phases of autoimmune diseases, particularly those involving auto-antibodies.

Lab Tests for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) – many of these are as yet unavailable in Australia … Possibly histamine is as yet the only available, but chat to Georgia about what our Naturopathic Labs can offer….

Tryptase is the most famous mast cell mediator. Serum tryptase value is usually normal in MCAS patients, but sometimes it is elevated. Tryptase values that show an increase of 20% + 2 ng/ml above the baseline level are considered diagnostic for MCAS.

Chromogranin A is a heat-stable mast cell mediator. High levels can suggest MCAS, but other sources must first be ruled out, such as heart failure, renal insufficiency, neuroendocrine tumors and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.

Heparin is a very sensitive and specific marker of mast cell activation. However, due to its quick metabolism in the body, it is very difficult to measure reliably.

N-methylhistamine is usually measured in a 24 hour urine test to account for the variability in release over the course of the day.

Prostaglandin D2 is produced by several other cell types, but mast cell release is responsible for the dominant amount found in the body. PGD2 is less stable than histamine and metabolized completely in 30 minutes.

There is a process called LEAP that is a step by step process of working through neurological issues in the brain – giving an individual access to their full potential and ability. Madonna has been doing LEAP for around 15 years – and it’s an ongoing learning process for practitioners – since they keep finding out new stuff about the brain! We use LEAP and other kinesiology processes for:

Dyslexia and Nervous system disorders

Stage fright, fear of exams, fear of teachers

Dislike of learning, dislike of teachers

Supporting better learning outcomes

Stress and behavioural issues

Learning Enhancement Acupressure Program (LEAP), was developed by Dr Charles T. Krebs in collaboration with clinical psychologists, speech pathologists, neurologists and other health professionals. LEAP is a comprehensive approach to assessing and correcting most learning challenges including dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, and many difficulties with reading, spelling and mathematics.

Neurological conditions involving imbalances in brain function and can affect learning. LEAP addresses these imbalances by re-establishing and maintaining the precise synchrony of the brain.

LEAP is a program that enhances brain function, learning and all areas of performance. The foundation of all high level performance and learning is integrated brain function because the brain is a multi-modular structure “bound” together functionally by synchronised timing of neural activity. Performance of any mental activity can be considered the “symphony of thought”. The output of each brain module must be precisely “timed” to prevent the harmony of mental function from turning into a dysfunctional state. Loss of integrated brain function literally equals loss of effective emotional and mental processing, the primary source of “stress” in our lives.

The purpose of LEAP Brain Integration is to re-establish brain integration during times of stress. Sometimes it was never properly established in the first place. The loss of Brain Integration and thus function may only be situational, causing difficulty and stress performing certain functions in certain situations or circumstances (ex. stage fright) or it may be on-going as in the case of Specific Learning Difficulties.

Far too many of us, adults and children alike, experience cognitive deficiencies that are a direct result of the loss of proper brain integration.
LEAP techniques have helped tens of thousands of individuals to overcome these challenges.

What else do we need to do? The usual suspects!

Check for food intolerances upsetting brain integration

Check for old stress patterns/survival patterns shutting down brain integration

Acid forming foods – this is not as simple as it seems. Proteins cause acid residue, so many acid/alkaline diets eliminate proteins. Fats create fatty acids, anything that turns into sugar (carbohydrates) will make the body more acidic if we’re not utilising the sugar through exercise and metabolism, any foods that we are intolerant to, or have allergies to cause our immune system to release eosinophils (white blood cells) that release acids into the blood stream. Even fruits in small amounts are alkalising, but in large amounts are acid forming. Alcohol, tea, coffee, soft drinks and fruit juices are all acid forming.

So what’s alkalising? Green leafy veggies (assuming we’re not allergic to them), purified water (most town water supplies are acidic).

There are many fantastic supplements that support an acidic constitution such as G-Tox & Calm-X.

Allergies/Intolerances (also acid-forming):

There are many foods considered ‘healthy’ that our bodies can be having issues with, creating inflammatory immune responses, without us even knowing. Our responses simply may be tiredness, bloating, constipation, any type of pain or diarrhoea. Our food detective quickly checks around 50 core food groups (within an hour consultation) for intolerances. Kinesiology can further muscle test core acupuncture points know to be hot-spots for immunity, therefore finding out if the body has issues with foods/substances in foods. When we have allergies, we have increased levels of eosinophils in the blood, which spray acid on the undigested food particles, thereby making the bloodstream more acidic.

The 8 most common food allergies/intolerances (studies show 80% of intolerances are these 8) are:

Cow’s milk

Eggs

Peanuts

Fish

Shellfish

Treenuts (such as cashews / walntus)

Wheat and / or gluten / grains

Soy

We also find the immune system may be challenged by:

FODMAPS foods

Salicylates foods

Foods high in amines

Genetically Modified Foods

Long-life foods

Sugar

3 causes of ALL chronic illness:

Immune Dysregulation (anything that causes the immune system to be overloaded, or overwork, or underwork.

We find signs of these 3 causes of disease in our OligoScan, Looking at your blood in real time, VLA BioImpedance & Cholesterol Check: Ask about our testing packages which give you this information so that you can work on your health!

Eating for Weight Loss & Muscle Gain

Choosing foods which increase glucagon (the fat-burning hormone) and decrease insulin (the fat-storing hormone) and reducing meal size is crucial for weight loss and maintaining our muscle mass. We do several dietary options for weight loss: HCG Weight Loss; Shake It Programme; Keto Programme and by helping people choose general good choices.

Eating is Inflammatory!

The process of eating is a necessary inflammatory process. It’s made even worse if we have digestive issues, chronic health problems or are on medication. There are always studies showing that this food causes this, or that food heals that… but studies with food are often flawed and we have more heart disease, diabetes and chronic ill-health than ever before.

An example of a great combination of food to consume would be, per meal would be: 1 handful of protein, 2-3 cupful’s of vegetables, good fats (a small handful).

A high protein/good fats breakfast (as opposed to toast or cereal) may include eggs/tomatoes/spinach; or protein shake with berries/nuts.

Insulin/Glucagon Ratio to keep in mind.

Eating carbohydrates releases insulin. Insulin is a necessary hormone which helps us to make energy out of sugars in our diet – it’s released with all carbohydrates. If, however, we are insulin resistant, or have too much insulin, it is inflammatory, acid forming, damaging to the capillaries and raises total cholesterol levels (cholesterol is a protective hormone which protects and heals the capillaries from insulin which has created damage) and causes heart disease, diabetes and may be linked with chronic fatigue and cancer..

Carbohydrates release insulin which is an inflammatory fat-storing hormone when out of balance! If you are insulin resistant, carbohydrates are not your friend until you get it under control – ask us about our insulin resistant test.

The best choices for carbohydrates are organic berries, low carb fruits, low GI vegetables. Most health issues will benefit from a low carbohydrate diet.

Avoid white flour, white sugar, white rice, starchy potatoes.

We require healthy small intestines and pancreas to break down and digest carbohydrates.

Good Quality Chocolate/Cocoa/Cacao: Superfood!

Cocoa and cacao are unusually rich in flavanols that help preserve the function of blood vessels. Maintaining youthful blood vessels lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

The problem with chocolate, of course, is the amount of sugar we have with it. Sugar is inflammatory. High cocoa, low sugar is the key. We’re not talking about Cadbury chocolate here!

Coffee/Tea:

A single cup of good quality, organic coffee daily seems to have many health benefits. Decaf doesn’t seem to have the same benefits. Even white tea and black teas have some health benefits. Once we add the sugar it becomes less beneficial.

Green tea has many health benefits including improved fat-loss and fat-metabolism and reducing insulin resistance.

Your dairy products may contain growth hormones, since up to 1/5th of dairy cows utilise these hormones. If you must drink milk, buy organic.

Some people have issues with lactose (dairy sugar), and it’s easy to get Zymil which is a lactose-free milk. Some people have issues with casein (the milk protein) and often find A2 milk beneficial.

natural, unsweetened, sheep’s, goat’s or cow’s yoghur

feta cheese

buffalo mozzarella

ricotta cheese

cottage cheese

We need good stomach, small intestines, pancreas and liver function to break down and uttilise dairy as well as healthy DPP4 enzyme levels.

Dairy Alternatives to consider:

almond milk

coconut milk

goat’s milk

oat milk – high in sugar/carbs

rice milk – high in sugar/carbs

soy milk – buy organic; GMO soy is definitely not healthy.

Eggs:

Eggs do NOT raise cholesterol. Organic/free range eggs should be eaten freely as part of a healthy diet – assuming there’s no allergy. They are high in good fats and protein and help to reverse insulin resistance.

Fats: the good and bad…

Fats are not the bad guys they’ve been made out to be over the past 40 years. Most disease is linked to inflammation, free-radical damage and immune dysregulation. Fats (and protein) release glucagon, which is a fat-burning hormone. Conversely, carbohydrates (sugars) release insulin which is inflammatory and fat-storing.

Trans-fats and hydrogenated fats are cancer forming and should be avoided. These are in packaged foods and long-life foods containing oils and deep-fried foods.

The ketogenic diet – which trains the body to burn fat as fuel (instead of carbs) is based on around 70% fats and proteins in the diet (up to 90% for some people) has been linked to

more stamina

less exhaustion

better muscle mass and quality

reversing heart disease and diabetes

anti-cancer properties, tumour reduction

For healthy fat metabolism our liver and gall bladder (and subsequently the small intestine) need to be functioning. Once the gall bladder is removed, fat metabolism will never be optimal again.

Fish: Superfood!

Healthy fish is an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids which help prevent heart disease and protect against abnormal heart rhythms. Fish is also high in protein, low in saturated fat, high in unsaturated fat.

Tuna, salmon & sardines are high in EPA which preserves collagen, DHA prevents skin cancer by reducing inflammation, and EPA and DHA both are good for the heart and brain. EPA (in therapeutic levels) is also anti-inflammatory and DHA is for heart disease, eyes and brain.

Where possible ensure you’re not buying ‘farmed fish’ as these are vaccinated and given anti-biotics.

Always keep limes or lemons -use to make fresh lime/ hot water in the morning and to have with avocado/ salad or with papaya.

Grapefruit

Papaya / Paw Paw

Kiwi frui

Grapes

Fresh figs

Fresh dates

Pineapple

Fresh berries of all kinds whenever possible

Avocadoes

Apples Pears

Stone fruits

Other seasonally available fruits

Blueberries: Superfood!

Compounds in blueberries (and other berries) mitigate inflammation and oxidative damage, which are associated with age-related deficits in memory and motor function.

Cherries:

Studies have shown cherries help reduce the frequency of gout attacks. Research has shown that the anthocyanins found in cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect. Anthocyanins can also be found in other red and purple fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.

Strawberries: Anti-Aging

Organic strawberries are high in vitamin C and protect our genes from damage.

Grains & Breads:

brown rice- short grain/ long grain / red/ black

brown basmati rice

rolled oats for muesli/ porridge

pearl barley for soups

quinoa when available

bread: sourdough, rye, grainy with seeds, or wholegrain

Grains can also go rancid like nuts so are best purchased

Green Tea for weight loss:

Studies show that Sensha Green Tea improves levels of catecholamine’s such as adrenaline and dopamine – and increases fat metabolism. Drink good quality green tea – organic – often! If you want to lose weight J . Studies show those who drank good quality green tea (or equivalent supplement such as Thermoburn) has up to 20% extra ‘fat’ in their stools, indicating better fat metabolism and less fat absorption.

Green tea also helps reverse insulin resistance.

Buy organic and good quality to avoid toxins.

Honey: buy organic!

Seems like a no-brainer – healthy sugar. BUT it’s still sugar to be taken into account with our carbohydrate load throughout the day. Did you know most honey now contains anti-biotics? It’s seems ridiculous, but buy organic honey, not genetically modified, full of anti-biotic honey.

Legumes/Pulses:

lentils

chickpeas

split peas

black-eye beans

fresh peas

mung beans

adzuki beans

broad beans (fresh when possible)

pea protein powders

Soak legumes overnight, use fresh cooking water and cook well, add a couple of strips of dried seaweed in the cooking water to improve digestibility and mineral content of the dish. Organic canned legumes are also an option.

Legumes and pulses are considered ‘high protein foods’ for vegans and vegetarians – they are still predominantly carbohydrates – so be careful with weight gain – especially through the mid-section as they can be difficult to digest.

Nut butters; almond butter; preferably avoid peanut butter as it has few health benefits, often contains sugar and other preservatives

Good quality dark chocolate

Frozen organic berries for smoothies

Olives and capers for salads

Small amounts of preservative free dried fruits

Whole grain, sugar free crackers

Good quality sugar free conserve

Sauerkraut

Olive tapénade

Pesto

Hummus

Nuts & Seeds:

Assuming we’re not intolerant or allergic, nuts are a great addition to the diet (not salted and raw!) – calorie and number we eat – take care!. Peanuts have a huge amount of evidence in reducing heart disease, nuts are a rich source of unsaturated fats, with similar benefits to olive oil. They’re also concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals, including anti-oxidants. Studies show that people who eats nuts live on average 2.5 years longer.

lean red meat: choose lean cuts of bison, venison and other game meats, or the lowest-fat cuts of beef, preferably grass-fed beef

if you eat organ meats, such as liver, they should ALWAYS be organic, as they accumulate toxins easily.

organic free range chicken

Red Wine/White Wine:

We all know that red wine is ‘good for us’. There is more resveratrol in Pinot Noir (10 x more than other red wines) and resveratrol protects our genes and slow cellular aging. Also protects against heart disease, diabetes and age-related memory loss. White wine also has some anti-oxidant effects, but less than red wine. Sweet wines have less benefit.

More than 250mls of alcohol daily becomes inflammatory. In looking at your blood on the screen, we see that alcohol in general causes leaky gut, immune dysregulation and oxidative stress when out of balance in the diet.

Soy: Organic

Organic soy is rich is isoflavones – great for skin and preventing collagen breakdown. Also organic soy is high in protein, fibre and low in fat, high in anti-oxidants. There are soy protein powders if soy products don’t excite you.

Vegetables: Fresh: varied according to seasonal availability:

Focus on non-starchy, for example:

Dark leafy greens of all types, for cooking (steaming) and salads

Asparagus

Broccoli: Has many anti-cancer components, supports the release of xeno-oestrogens (hormone mimickers)

Add 6 tablespoons cold pressed, organic olive oil and whisk together. This should make more than enough dressing for a salad or dish of steamed vegetables. Leftover dressing can be stored in the fridge.

Yoghurt:

Natural organic sugar-free yoghurt may have health benefits due to the beneficial bacteria. When sugar is added, or using non-organic dairy, it may be as beneficial as eating ice-cream!!

Many of the yoghurts designed for children have no health benefits whatsoever.

_____________________________

NOT SO HEALTHY “HEALTHY” FOOD CHOICES:

Additives & Preservatives:

So many ‘healthy food snacks’ – cheese & crackers, muesli bars, fruit juices, peanut paste, yoghurts – have many additives and preservatives. These are hard for the body to recognise and eliminate. They are hormone disruptors – affecting moods and wellbeing in sensitive individuals. Studies show that many children ‘eat’ over 100 additives per day. Aware parents can often reduce this to 40-60. Being really diligent (no plastics, organic foods, all farm-fresh, organic milk) – we can get it to under 10. It’s challenging as there’s no regulation on our foods.

Aspartame – Avoiding sugar?? It’s GMO

Aspartame is a toxic additive used in numerous food products and should be avoided for numerous reasons, including the fact that it is created with genetically modified bacteria.

Banana Chips:

Not a healthy snack. These are deep-fried banana chips. Lots of calories. Heaps of saturated fats.

Canola Oil: GMO

One of the most chemically altered foods, is obtained from rapeseed through a series of chemical actions.

Cereals/Grains:

It’s a time honoured tradition – cereal, muesli, oats or toast for breakfast. Yet our energy is getting lower, we’re getting fatter and more inflamed and we don’t have the energy to live life to the full. Starting the day with cereals and toast is starting the day with a high carb breakfast (yes, even oats) – our body then has to utilise the sugar it turns into before we will burn any fat. Some people will get away with this, others won’t.

Non-organic Chicken – bugs galore!

Organic chicken is worth the money. Why? What we eat affects our immunity, our gut, our health. Animals which have been vaccinated and given anti-biotics for much of their lives are basically breeding grounds for super-bugs. Caged and non-organic chickens (and their eggs) often are infected with e-coli and salmonella, since these bacteria thrive in an anti-biotic-laden system.

Corn: GMO

Linked with numerous health issues including weight gain and organ disruption. Around 50% of corn is GMO. The Bt toxin being used in GMO corn, was recently detected in the blood of pregnant women and their babies.

Cotton: GMO

Cotton Oil originating in India and China have serious risks.

Dried Fruits:

Share the same problems as trail mixes. Very high in sugar, with chemicals added which are designed to prevent the fruits from oxidising. Have you noticed bananas or apples going brown once you cut into them? This is oxidation. A normal process which doesn’t happen with dried fruits. Most of the nutritional value has gone once they’re dried and boiled – and with the addition of sulphur dioxide and high sugar levels – not a healthy snack!

FODMAPS (for sensitive tummies)

FODMAPS are ‘fermentable oligosacarrides disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols’. It’s been found as an issues with many people with digestive problems – IBS, diarrhoea, Crohn’s disease, constipation, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), bloating and tummy pain. These FODMAPS ferment in the intestines for susceptible people. Examples of foods in the main FODMAP groups are:

Generally not too much excess saturated fats or too much added sugar BUT beware of the sodium content – which promotes water retention and may cause hypertension. Given they are pre-cooked, most of their nutritional status has been lost, so there will be hardly any vitamins & mineral

Fruit Juices:

Juice gives us heaps of energy – but it’s because of the sugar. Fruit juices age the cells 7 x faster. When we drink fruit juices we have plenty of fructose in our system –fructose is the number cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Genetically Modified Foods:

It’s almost impossible to avoid GMO foods, but limiting what we can is a good idea. GMO foods have pesticides, herbicides and anti-biotics within the foods themselves – they can’t be washed off. This changes the way our body responds to these foods and may create allergies and intolerances, or simply overwhelm the immune system and digestive tract.

Gluten/Non-organic: GMO

After world war 1, 2 strains of gluten were genetically modified to create a new super-grain with 2.5 x more gluten. Health problems started. 30% of Aussies have the ‘celiac gene’. Only a genetic test showing you don’t have a celiac gene means you’ll never get celiac disease. Regardless, everyone who eats GMO wheat gets leaky gut within 15 minutes, GMO wheat creates inflammation, ramps up immune responses, causes cell death on its way through the digestive tract. It then comes down to what we eat with the gluten and our nutritional status, as to how quickly we heal after eating. Imagine however, a daily inflammatory response to gluten, meal after meal after meal.

If you must eat wheat – eat organic.
Treat wheat like sugar – not several times per day. Prottect your gut.

Low Fat Foods:

Depending on our health goals, eating low fat foods can be very unhealthy. Keeping in mind our insulin/glucagon ratio we’re aiming for, per meal, eating low fat is actually putting us into a fat-storing metabolism. Take milk as an example. Organic full cream milk has 8.8g protein, 8.8g fat, 15.8g carbs (from lactose) – the ratio is about right 50/50 protein + fat = carbs. Take out the fat, and now there’s nearly twice the carbs – which puts the food into a fat-storing, insulin increasing inflammatory food group.

Muesli/Granola Bars:

For some reason people love muesli bars – these are very high in both sugar and trans fats, which increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. One small bowl of muesli can

Paw Paw: GMO

This may be a surprise but GMO paw paws have been grown in Hawaii since 1999. Europe refuses to accept them. Buy local or grow your own.

Prepared Salads:

Beware the dressings which can contain more sugar than the salad itself – and what’s the point of eating a salad if it has more calories than a burger and more sugar than a coke?

Processed Meats:

Contain many additives and preservatives which aren’t healthy, not to mention the huge amount of salts, which will cause fluid retention and possibly hypertension if other minerals are deficient. Eat in moderation if you can’t avoid.

Soy/Herbicide Resistant: GMO

Found in tofu, vegetarian products, soybean oil & flour, soy is modified to resist herbicides. Around 90% of Soy is currently genetically modified to resist Roundup. Massive amounts of Glyphosate is sprayed on soybeans. Non-GMO soy is much more healthy than GMO, which has huge negative health impact.

Sugar: GMO – not so much in AUS yet…

In the U.S. GMO Sugar beets have been introduced since 2009. Sugar in general (regardless of the source) is inflammatory, acid forming, increases risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, immune dysregulation. Sugar is 50/50 sucrose and fructose. Fructose is the number 1 known cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Eliminating sugar in your diet can be life-changing.

Trail Mix:

Very convenient, cost-effective, lightweight and compact. Great snack BUT high in calories, especially with chocolate and extra nuts. The raisins are often candy coated make them sweeter. A small serving is up to 600 calories, with refined carbohydrates and trans fats in the package. contain 600 calories. If you love them, go sugar free, and take into account the calories involved. Read the labels!

Zucchini & Yellow Squash (GMO)

Closely related, these two squash varieties are modified to resist viruses. Farm fresh/organic where possible.

Pesticides/Herbicides – avoid where possible & wash wash wash!

In Australia we still use pesticides that have been banned in other countries. The 12 worst foods for pesticide load are:

Peaches

Apples

Capsicum

Celery

Nectarines

Strawberries

Cherries

Kale

Lettuce

Grapes – imported

Carrot

Pear

Salicylates (if you have an issue):

Salicylates are substances in foods that are naturally occurring ‘aspirin-like’, that also has natural pesticide actions. Therefore, they thin the blood and many allergic symptoms are linked. If out of balance, they can cause tummy upsets, blood noses, leaky gut and ulcerations. Other symptoms are BP issues, kidney & liver upsets, rashes, asthma, tinnitus, central nervous system effects, behavioural issues, incontinence and hypoglycaemia.

As soon as soft drink’s swallowed, the pancreas is notified and rapidly begins to create insulin in response to the sugar. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to move sugar from food or drink into the bloodstream, where cells are then able to use sugar for energy. Within just 20 minutes, blood sugar levels spike and the liver responds to the insulin by turning sugar into fat for storage.

Within 45 minutes of gulping down a glass, caffeine from the drink is fully absorbed, and as a result your pupils dilate and blood pressure rises. The body produces more dopamine, which stimulates the pleasure centres of the brain — just like a low-grade line of cocaine.

When the hour chimes, the body begins to experience a blood sugar crash, which is around the same time a person reaches for their next drink, or for another sweet and sugar snack to suffice. Harvard researchers have calculated each additional soft drink consumed increases the risk of obesity 1.6 times

Allergy Testing in Children: our chief practitioners in allergy and intolerance testing is Madonna Guy.. Madonna has over 20 years experience in natural health techniques and over 6 years experience specificially in allergies and intolerances. Georgia & Madonna also run the Food Detective testing kit which over a period of 30 minutes shows 60 major food intolerances.

Did you know that there are effective natural treatments, with no side effects for allergies in children, and because at our clinic we do kinesiology to find the best treatment for you and your family… we can quickly and easily determine which supplements and treatments will work the fastest.

The key allergens we find in our clinic are:

wheat and gluten allergens

rice (is becoming a bigger problem as people are steering away from wheat and gluten)

eggs (generally because of eggs in vaccinations…)

preservatives, colourings and flavours

peanuts

tree nuts such as cashews

dairy proteins and sugars

amine allergies – not handling the proteins in foods, usually due to lack of hydrochloric acid in the gut

nightshade family of foods

salicylates (aspirin like substances in foods which causing leaky gut in sensitive people)

town water supplies

There are others, but these are the ones we find the most in children.